Bridge Builders
Bridge Builders are everyday volunteers who can step up to help our newcomer communities. On a day-to-day basis, Bridge Builders serve as facilitators between sponsor groups and their sponsored beneficiaries, be it Afghan allies (Afghan SIVs) or newcomer neighbors in our Neighbor for Neighbor program and assist in providing core services to our clients.
How do Bridge Builders differ from Community Sponsorship?
This role differs from being part of a community sponsor group in that Bridge Builders are not asked to commit a minimum amount of time to one particular person or family but are called as needed based on their skills and resources. In a way, Bridge Builders are the oil in an engine that allows for the relationships in the Community Sponsorship model to work smoothly.
Bridge Builders often serve as informal interpreters and translators, provide transportation in times of need, help newcomer families move into their new homes, volunteer their professional skills to our sponsored families who can’t typically afford them, and much more.
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Has lived in the United States for at least 2 years
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Able to read, write, and understand English
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Proficiency in more than one language preferred
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Good understanding of navigating life in America. (i.e. knowledgeable of cultural and legal norms, knows what a newcomer would typically overlook, etc...)
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Pass a background check
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Bridge Builders will assist community sponsor groups that help our Afghan allies or in our Neighbor for Neighbor program with the following core services:
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Groceries
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Rent
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Household utilities
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Necessary furniture and household goods
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Interpreting and translating services
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Assistance registering for applicable government assistance programs
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Transportation
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Enrolling children in school
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Enrolling for government benefits
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Keeping Beneficiary up to date with necessary legal and medical appointments
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Enrolling adults in English classes (if needed)
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Cultural orientation
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Assist in fundraising efforts to provide for core services
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